Investigation into the 2025 U11AA Tryout Process
Contact the author of the petition
UPDATE! Please read and stay informed!
2025-10-10 14:29:26We know we have been quiet this past week, but we have been working hard every day (over 18hrs per) fielding questions, messages of support and listening to stories similar to this example bravely shared by our members. All of which have galvanized us in the quest that things definitely do need to change and change now! The presentation of similar cases (both past and present) from victimized members of our association has been both very disturbing and disheartneing.
Let it be known and understood - THIS IS NOT A FIGHT FOR THE REINSTATEMENT OF THE COACH, NOR THE PLAYER(S) DIRECTLY IMPACTED IN THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE, if that occurs that's a bonus but not the main issue at hand. THIS IS BIGGER THAN THAT. THIS IS ABOUT ENSURING THAT THESE ILLICIT PRACTICES CANNOT BE EMPLOYED TO AFFECT FUTURE VICTIMS (OUR KIDS) OF SUCH ACTIONS. THAT IS WHAT THIS IS ABOUT!!!!!
For far too long the members of our association have been living under this umbrella of fear cast over the organization by the presence of a few. The fear that if they spoke out or challenged any mis-doings that their children would become the next target and victim. This bullying and fear tactic has cast a dark cloud over our organization and this is the time to disbar it, once and for all. This is our opportunity with direct and strong evidence that can NOT be disputed. If we don't use this opportunity to dissolve this umbrella, we are concerned we may not get another chance.
THE TIME IS HERE AND NOW!!!
I'd like to bring you up to speed on what we've done this week so that you can be informed.
1) Hockey Nova Scotia, at the highest levels, was the first to be informed by the concerned parties of the events that took place with the U11 Tryout selection process. They were provided a detailed timeline of the events from independent parties that occurred (including supporting documentation) illustrating how the manipulation and influence (both directly and/or indirectly) by particular parties was used to impact the process in their favour in a direct breach of policy. This email was deflected, and communication from HNS pertaining to a review was not received all week.
To say we were disappointed is an understatement. This is supposed to be our highest level governing body. As a result we were informed by counsel that we need to rely on our association members to take action in order to incite change. As such, we proceeded via option 2 and released the petition depicting the series of factual events to the public to inform and generate support.
2) On Wednesday Oct 8, 2025 - SSMHA released a statement to its members stating that they were aware of this petition. From this email, a few things need to be addressed:
- They noted that there were "several factors" that led to the decision for appointing a new head coach. We have no record of an explanation given by SSMHA as to their decision for appointing a new head coach even after being asked to provide one.
- Let's be clear, this movement is not about a conspiracy of 'board members' putting their own children on to preferred teams. It is about following the Tryout Format/policy up until it doesn't favour certain parties involved, then changing how the team was selected to benefit them. Favouritism at its highest level.
- It is also not about donations influencing team selections. We, as a small community, are fortunate to have many small businesses who support sport and the growth of our kids. We commend any business who donates so that our kids can play.
- As for the HNS, ITP, we were fundamentally against allowing the parties directly in question the ability to appoint a 3 person resolution committee. This is a blatant conflict of interest and did not feel this situation would be evaluated fairly in these circumstances. Nor did we feel that the goal of this movement would be resolved. Perhaps a deal would have been struck to re-instate the coach and or the player(s) affected but again this is NOT THE GOAL. As stated above it is much bigger than ourselves, it involves the establishment of a fair playing field for our kids and ensuring our governing body adheres to it's own bylaws and policies, by removing the influences of favouritism and manipulation.
3) Last evening, as per the Bylaws, a signed letter was sent to the SSHMA Board of Directors demanding a call to action:
These actions include:
Either:
a) Resignation of the named parties, come 5pm October 10, 2025.
Or, if not complied; we have requested a Special Meeting of Members be convened under Section 12 of the bylaws:
The business of this meeting will be:
1) the open and transparent investigation into the interference in the U11AA and U11A processes including presentation of the evidence accrued; and
2) the removal of these four (4) board members and committee members listed as voted on by our members independent of one another.
THIS IS WHERE WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! If you are a member of SSMHA and/or feel compelled to continue your support, YOU NEED TO ATTEND THIS MEETING. (note, only members can cast a vote, so your attendance is of highest value).
We felt it important to update you so that you can see for yourselves how everything unfolds today and make sense of the response from the SSMHA. Please continue to follow this along.
YOUR SUPPORT IS MORE IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER!
Lindsay and Jeff Clarke